Structure-activity relationship study of alkynyl ether insecticide synergists and the development of MB-599 (verbutin)

Structure-activity relationships of aryl alkynyl synergists of the general formula of Ar-Q-R, where Q represents a bridging structure, were studied using a standardised testing system and Relative Potency values. Ethers, esters, oxime ethers, amides and amines were prepared and evaluated. The length of the R-alkynyl chain, the role of the bridge and the substitution of the aromatic ring were examined systematically. The most potent compounds possessed an aromatic ring connected via a bridge of three atoms to an alkynyl chain, forming together a linear side-chain of six atoms. Several highly potent compounds were synthesised of which one (MB-599; proposed common name verbutin) was selected for development as a selective insecticide synergist in crop protection. Its high potential at practical insecticide:synergist ratios makes possible the reduction of the total amount of insect-control chemicals applied, and its use as an additive to produce new formulations of existing insecticides makes it highly advantageous in resistance management, giving a new tool to sustain the effectiveness of a wide range of insecticides. A product containing a (1+1) mixture of verbutin and beta-cypermethrin was launched in Hungary in 2002.     

The immunogenicity and efficacy of replication-defective and replication-competent bovine adenovirus-3 expressing bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein gD in cattle

Replication-competent and replication-defective bovine adenovirus type 3 recombinants expressing the bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) were tested for induction of gD specific immune responses in calves using intratracheal (1st and 2nd immunization) and sub-cutaneous (3rd immunization) route of immunization. The replication-defective recombinant BAV501 induced systemic immune responses against gD as low titers of anti gD-IgG were detected in the serum. However, the efficacy of the replication-competent BAV3.E3gD to induce gD-specific antibodies in the serum and the nasal secretions was superior to that of replication-defective BAV501 when both viruses were given at the same dosage. Partial protection from challenge was induced in calves immunized with replication-competent BAV3.E3gD. A dramatic increase in the titers of anti-gD IgG and IgA levels, both in serum and nasal secretions, following BHV-1 challenge (anamnestic response) suggested that the animals immunized with replication-defective BAV501 had been primed for gD-specific antibody responses.     

Clinical and pathological effects of the dermonecrotic toxin of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida in specific-pathogen-free piglets

The role of dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Pasteurella multocida, purified by repeated chromatography in Sephacryl S-200 gel, in the pathogenesis of atrophic rhinitis (AR) of swine was studied bacteriologically, clinically and pathologically. Two-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) piglets were parenterally treated with 30 micrograms of DNT 3 times at 2-day interval and 7-week-old piglets were treated with 15 micrograms of DNT twice a week for 5 weeks. In 2- to 3-week-old piglets, both B. bronchiseptica DNT and P. multocida DNT produced nasal turbinate lesions with similar severity, characterized by damage of the cilia, epithelial metaplasia, intensive proliferation of osteoblasts, regressive changes, and diffuse osteocytic osteolysis. In 7- to 12-week-old piglets, treatment with B. bronchiseptica DNT failed to produce progressive changes in the nasal turbinates. Histopathological examination revealed osteogenic processes and osteoid synthesis besides the proliferation of osteoblasts and mild osteocytic osteolysis. Moreover, severe gross pathological lesions developed in the stomach, liver, kidneys, and lymphoid organs. The piglets' appetite and body weight gain gradually decreased during the DNT treatment and in the last week when the toxic signs appeared. Treatment of 7- to 12-week-old piglets with P. multocida DNT resulted in progressive AR. Histopathologically, diffuse osteocytic osteolysis was observed in the nasal turbinates. Neither clinical signs nor pathological lesions of the visceral organs developed in these piglets. The authors emphasize that the DNT of B. bronchiseptica basically differs from that of P. multocida in biological properties, though there are certain similarities between the DNTs.     

Intramammary infusion of an Enterococcus faecium SF68 preparation promoted the involution of drying off Holstein cows partly related to neutrophil‐associated matrix metalloproteinase 9

A problem for dairy cows following milk stasis is to cope with a high risk of intramammary infection and there is a need to initiate an extensive renewal of secretory modules in mammary glands so that milk production in next lactation may be optimized. We recently reported that ultrasonicated Enterococcus faecium SF68 (SF68) is compatible with cow mammary glands and an enhancer of innate immunity during the immediate post‐milk stasis period. The current study further examines the concomitant effect of ultrasonicated SF68 on mammary tissue remodeling. Four Holstein cows each received intramammary infusions of regular antibiotic dry‐cow formula (positive control) and two different doses of SF68 in different quarters. Analyses of individual quarter secretion samples showed faster neutrophil infiltration, earlier modifications in protein composition, including caseins and lactoferrins, as well as more prompt elevation of the specific unit of 92‐kDa matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in SF68‐infused quarters compared to the positive controls. Intramammary infusion of ultrasonicated SF68 seems able to accelerate the regression of mammary synthetic capacity and potentiate the breakdown of glandular extracellular matrix, indicating a more efficient mammary gland involution. Correlation analyses imply that the ability of ultrasonicated SF68 to induce faster neutrophil chemotaxis and the associated MMP9 release is partly responsible.     

Correlation of ultrasonographic and patho-morphological findings in canine hepatic diseases

Findings of hepatic ultrasonography were analysed in 22 dogs with liver disease and compared with the results of final morphological diagnoses. Ultrasonographic appearance of the liver demonstrated focal alterations in 11 dogs (50 per cent): multifocal lesions in hepatic neoplasia (six), hepatic cirrhosis (one), generalised mycosis (one) and unifocal lesions in haemangiosarcoma (one), nodular hyperplasia (one) and misdiagnosed intestinal invagination (one), Diffuse ultrasonographic alterations were found in 11 dogs (50 per cent): hyperechoic liver of normal/enlarged size in lymphosarcoma (four) and hepatic lipidosis (two); hyperechoic ‘bright’ but small liver in atrophic cirrhosis (two); hypoechoic to normal intensity liver of normal size in liver dystrophy (two) and hepatic venous distension (one). Gallbladder abnormalities were detected in 14 of 20 dogs (70 per cent). Correct ultrasonographic diagnoses were made in 11 dogs (50 per cent). The best results were achieved by combining the clinicolaboratory and ultrasonographic findings, providing a correct diagnosis in 17 dogs (77-3 per cent).     

Inheritance of angular leaf spot resistance in common bean line BAT 332 and identification of RAPD markers linked to the resistance gene

The existence of genetic variability for angular leaf spot (ALS) resistance in the common bean germplasm allows the development of breeding lines resistant to this disease. The BAT 332 line is an important resistance source to common bean ALS. In this work we determined the inheritance pattern and identified RAPD markers linked to a resistance gene present in BAT 332. Populations F₁, F₂,BCs and BCr derived from crosses between BAT 332 and cultivar Rudá were used. Rudá is a commercial cultivar with carioca type grains and susceptible to ALS. The resistance of BAT 332 to race 61.41 of the pathogen was confirmed. Segregation analysis of the plants indicated that a single dominant gene confers resistance. For identification of RAPD markers linked to the resistance gene, bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was used. Two RAPD markers,OPAA07₉₅₀ and OPAO12₉₅₀, linked in coupling phase at 5.10 and 5.83 cM of this gene, respectively, were identified. These molecular markers are important for common bean breeders and geneticists as source of genetic information and for marker assisted selection in breeding programs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Resistance to bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) in winter wheat varieties

Summary In Hungary the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) is the most frequent aphid species in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Estimations of infestation by R. padi as well as measurements of grain yield and thousand-kernel mass were carried out in 26 winter wheat genotypes in conditions of naturally infested and not infested (protected) control plots. The experiment was performed in isolated conditions in two field cages covered by nets. The aphids overwintered on wheat and got into cage, extremely quickly multiplied, therefore there was no need to apply any artificial aphid infestation. Highly significant differences were demonstrated among genotypes in infestation severity of R. padi as well as in losses of grain yield and thousand-kernel mass. The most resistant variety GK Zombor had 25% infestation, and the most susceptible one GK Lili had 79.2%. The reduction of grain yield of the most tolerant genotypes (GK Korány, Downy, Mv 4, Jubilejnaja 50, Mv 8, GK Kincsö and GK Zombor) was 26–33%, and that of thousand-kernel mass was 23–30%. The most sensitive genotypes (GK Lili, GK Örzse, GK Koppány and Mv 13) suffered 58–63% losses in yield, and 40–50% in thousand-kernel mass. A close correlation was found between infestation of R. padi in different wheat genotypes and losses of grain yield (r=0.7572, P<0.001). Also there were tolerance differences among genotypes even within the same level of infestation. The reductions of thousand-kernel mass correlated very closely with the reductions of grain yield (r=0.9212, P<0.001), that makes screening possible by reductions of thousand-kernel mass. These results have found application in breeding. The leaf pubescence of the varieties studied did not generally influence the infestation by R. padi.     

Identification of marker alleles linked to fire blight resistance QTLs in apple genotypes

Molecular marker analysis can be an effective tool when searching for new fire blight resistance donors. It can speed up the breeding process as well, even though many of the available markers linked to fire blight resistance QTLs have not yet been tested by screening a large number of cultivars. The aim of this study was to search for alternate sources of the three major QTLs of fire blight resistance; FBF7, FB_MR5 and FB_E, as well as to test the efficiency of some markers linked to minor QTLs. Altogether, nine primer pairs were used on 77 genotypes including new Hungarian cultivars and old apple cultivars from the Carpathian basin. Several marker alleles of FB resistance QTLs have been detected in the screened genotypes, most importantly the alleles coupling with FB_MR5 in the old cultivars ‘Kéresi muskotály’, ‘Szabadkai szercsika’ and ‘Batul’. We propose these cultivars as the first available resistance donors of FB_MR5 instead of the crabapple Malus × robusta 5. The results also bring new information regarding the resistance alleles of new Hungarian cultivars and selections.